Linda Harless, principal for the academy, said Aug. 29 is planned as the first day of school, but there is still much preparation to be done. The academy is a virtual charter school with programs in 21 other states, but is establishing itself in Utah for the first time with a capped enrollment of 350.

Director of Public Relations for Connections Education Alison Bazin reported 20 of the applicants are from Southern Utah. Although there are 393 applicants, Bazin said many families start the application process but do not complete it for a variety of reasons, such as a move or decision to stay with a traditional school. As a result, there is room for enrollment.

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Washington Online School Utah (also known as WOSU or Wash Online) provides two free public online schools: WOSU-K8 (K-eighth grades) and WOSU-HS (ninth -twelfth grades) that are part of the Washington County School District. WOSU is open to all students in grades K-12 living anywhere in the state of Utah.

For the rest of the article, go to Online program is asset to education

Seventeen year old Teigan Adams of Castle Dale, finished third in barrel racing at the Utah State High School Finals held June 8-11 in Heber City. In her bid to qualify Teigan attended high school rodeos throughout the state of Utah from August of last year to the end of May, she earned enough points to enter the state finals tied for third place in barrel racing.

Teigan competes as a junior attending Utah Virtual Academy. She rodeos as part of the Emery High School Rodeo Club. Emery held their high school rodeo in April in conjunction with the Carbon High School rodeo. While competing at the Carbon High School rodeo which was held in Castle Dale Teigan reset the arena record fast time in barrel racing.

For the rest of the article, go to Teigan Adams third in barrel racing at high school finals

As an online school, our methods can be described as “one-on-one tutoring for every student in every subject”. Instruction is individualized, allowing students to work at their pace and on their needs. Our technology instantaneously tracks the students and their performance.

For the rest of the article, go to Online education may be Utah’s future

For the rest of the article, go to A Virtual School Option for Utah Kids

The curriculum is teacher driven, with the caregivers serving as education facilitators or learning coaches. Each child is given a Personalized Education Plan that addresses the strengths, weaknesses, education and career goals of the student. The curriculum is then tailored to the individual student and is constantly evaluated, said the release.

For the rest of the article, go to Informational meeting set for new virtual academy

Laura Rice, senior manager of regional marketing for Connections Academy, said there are 350 slots for students throughout the state, and about half of those are filled. Anyone entering kindergarten through 12th grade may apply.

For the rest of the article, go to A virtual education

Judi Clark, executive director of Parents for Choice in Education (PCE), said the governor contacted bill sponsor Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, on Tuesday to tell him he’s considering vetoing SB65.

The bill would allow school districts and online charter schools to offer online classes to students throughout the state. Funding would follow the students, meaning instead of a student’s home district getting all the funding for that student, the school providing the online course would get part of it. The bill also would continue funding for the Utah Electronic High School for another year before making that school compete with other providers for dollars.

For the rest of the article, go to School choice advocates worry guv may veto online ed bill

The new bill will only allow in-state online charter schools and online programs created by Utah school districts to be eligible.

“It has changed significantly and we like, generally speaking, the (latest) version,” said Patti Harrington with the State School Boards Association.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, said he’s happy with the changes.

For the rest of the article, go to Funding can now follow students to online high schools

“Our students can academically experience the excitement and rigor of a college class right here in a safe atmosphere, with kids their own age, and get the best of both worlds,” Eccles said.

For the rest of the article, go to Teaching via webcam reaches larger audience of students